News Release

ADF International hosts panel at European Academy of Religion

ADF International speaks on challenges faced by people of faith in Europe; Prominent participants included Jan Figel and Romano Prodi

23 Jun 2017

BOLOGNA - On 21 June, ADF International hosted an expert panel at the annual conference of the European Academy of Religion in Bologna, Italy. The annual event gathers 700 scholars, practitioners, and officials in the field of religion from around the world.

The European Academy of Religion was launched in December 2016, and aims to connect scholars, research centres, and institutions which work in the field of religion. ADF International hosted a panel at the conference, which is held under the patronage of the European Parliament and of the European Commission.

“Freedom of religion is not only a fundamental right but is also essential for the development and preservation of an open, pluralistic, and inclusive society. There cannot be a well-functioning democracy without respect for religious freedom. Despite this, we see that freedom of religion or belief is under pressure in many parts of Europe”, said Adina Portaru, Legal Counsel for ADF International.

Freedom of religion across Europe

ADF International therefore hosted an expert panel that analyzed current challenges faced by people of faith in Europe.

“An increasing number of people are not free to live out their faith. This happens not only in the Middle East, where Christians and other religious minorities are deliberately targeted by ISIS for destruction, but also across Europe, where citizens are facing an insurmountable conflict between either violating their conscience or facing punishment by the state”, said Sophia Kuby, Director of EU Advocacy at ADF International.

The event was attended by Mr Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the EU, and Mr Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission.